A variety of people call the Manaslu region of Nepal, which is located in the Gorkha and Manang districts. The area is renowned for its vibrant culture, customs, and celebrations. Agrotourism, community-based homestays, and a moderately challenging, diversified, and historically significant are the major attraction in this region. The residents of the dense Gurung community in the villages of Barpak, Laprak, and Gumda are dedicated to the growth and promotion of tourism with the blessings of cultural norms.
Take an extraordinary chance to discover the alpine communities' unique customs, cultures, and spirituality with Manaslu Circuit Trek. The region's southern highlands are home to several communities, including the Chhetri, Brahmin, and Thakali.
This article will examine the cultural diversity of the Manaslu trekking route and provide insights into the customs, beliefs, and way of life of the natives. The opportunity to learn about the significance and history of the numerous festivals observed in the area, such as the Manaslu Festival and the Lhosar Festival, will also be highlighted.
Cultural Diversity of Manaslu
Many ethnic groups, including the Gurung, Magar, Tamang, and Tibetan people, call the Manaslu region home. Every town has kept alive the years its distinctive culture and traditions of Manaslu.
For instance, the Gurung people are renowned for their generosity and bravery. They have a custom of providing their guests with the best they offer, including delectable cuisine, refreshing beverages, and cozy apparel. They also have a long history of folk dance and music, which they showcase at celebrations and ceremonies.
The majority of the population, the Gurungs, are concentrated in the central hills. There is a sizable Gurung community in the Gurkha army. The Bhutias, Tibetans who reside adjacent to Tibet and practice Buddhism, are Sherpa ethnic people who share a similar ethnic background and speak the Tibetan language. Rigid Buddhist monasteries, Chortens, Mani walls, and other Buddhist temples can be found nearby.
Tibeto-Burmans, Indo-Aryans from the south, and Mongoloids from the north make up the majority of the population in the upper Manaslu area. Here in Manaslu Conservation Area, the Chikkur River separates the territories by distinguishing Nubri and Tsum ethnicities which can be explored during Tsum Valley Trek.
On the other hand, the Magar community is renowned for its expertise in both martial arts and hunting. They have a custom of honoring nature, and they consider all living things to be endowed with souls. They are very enthusiastic about the Tansen Jatra and Maghe Sankranti festivities.
The Tamang community is renowned for its distinctive clothing and extensive cultural legacy. They have a distinctive dress code that comprises a woolen jacket for males and a bright wraparound skirt for women. They are quite enthusiastic about the Losar, Buddha Jayanti, and Tamu Lhosar festivities.
The Tibetan community, which is mainly found in the higher altitudes of the area, is well-known for its Buddhist traditions and culture. They are quite enthusiastic about the Losar, Buddha Jayanti, and Saka Dawa festivities.
Festivals of Manaslu
Several festivals are observed in the Manaslu region with considerable fervor and intensity. These celebrations provide a window into the way of life in the area and are an essential element of its culture and history. Significant festival in the area features traditional music and dance performances, regional cuisine, and artisan exhibitions as part of a celebration of the local way of life.
The Manaslu Cultural Festival
A celebration of the eighth-highest mountain in the world that lends the area its name is held during the Manaslu Festival. The surrounding communities gather together to celebrate their traditions and culture during this event, which takes place every September. The three-day festival includes events including horse races, archery contests, traditional dance and music performances, as well as booths selling food and handicrafts from the area.
The procession of the "Khatas," or ceremonial scarves, which are placed around the statue of Manaslu's neck, is one of the festival's highlights. The scarves are then given out to the participants as a sign of blessings and prosperity.
Tsum Shagya Centennial Festival
The Tsum Shagya Centenary Celebration commemorated the unique nonviolent tradition of the Tsum valley's first 100 years. The residents of the upper Tsum valley have promised to preserve it as a Shagya, which translates to "Non-sacrificing place," since 1920. The locals lived by the five precepts of the Buddha known as "Ahimnsa Parodharma," which means non-violence is the highest form of Dharma, even before they made this pledge ("religion").
Even felling trees was frowned upon because it was seen to be sinful to kill. In Gompa areas, it was even forbidden. The Shagya is maintained and promoted by the inhabitants by abiding by a set of regulations, which include: no hunting or slaughtering of any animals, no honey production, no forest fires, and a complete ban on animal slaughter.
It was started by Drukpa Rinpoche Lama Serab Dorje. The lower Tsum valley has also been designated a Shagya since 1972. Any of the aforementioned rules can be broken by lighting 1000 lamps in Rachen Gompa as a penalty. This well-known monastery may be found at Chhekampar.
Lhosar Festival
Another significant celebration observed in the Manaslu region is the Lhosar Festival. The ethnic Tibetan people in the area commemorate this celebration and exchange presents and greetings. The "Losar dances," which are performed with locals dressed in vibrant costumes, are one of the festival's main attractions. Traditional music is played to accompany the dances on instruments such as the "gyaling" and the stringed instrument "dramnyen" (a wind instrument). Loshar is celebrated by three ethnic groups with unique preferences and traditions.
The Lhosar of the Gurung people is appointed Tamu Losar. On the Gregorian calendar, it occurs in January. Traditional cuisine and homemade beverages are served throughout the feast. They participate in celebrations and festivities at Buddhist sites and attend cultural events that are planned. Individuals attending these programs can be observed dressed traditionally.
The Lhosar of the Tamang people is recognized as Sonam Lhosar. It happens in January or February according to the Gregorian calendar. In addition to feasting, they play the Damphu and perform the Selo, a traditional dance. Also, individuals visit monasteries to pray and hang flags while also cleaning and decorating their homes. The victories over the adversarial forces and the provision of constructive support are cause for excitement.
Gyalpo Lhosar is celebrated by Sherpa Ethnics. On the English calendar, it occurs in either February or March. Feasts with Guthunk and Chhyang (Tibetan beer) dumplings are held to commemorate the occasion. As the family gathers are dining together, the homes are polished, paying special attention to the kitchen.
Yartung Festival
The Manaslu region hosts the Yartung Festival, a long-standing horse racing festival. An opportunity for the locals to display their equestrian prowess, this festival is typically held in August. Moreover, the festival features stalls selling regional foods and crafts as well as music and dance performances.
The horse race, which is the festival's centerpiece and draws spectators from around the world, is an exhilarating and exciting event. A time for the communities to come together and enjoy one another's company, the festival honors the unique culture and tradition of the area.
Buddha Jayanti Festival
The Buddha Jayanti Festival, held in May, is another significant event in the region. Gatherings for prayer, donations of flowers and incense, and the burning of lamps are used to mark the occasion. It honors Lord Buddha's conception, enlightenment, and passing.
According to the Chinese lunar calendar, Buddha Jayanti Vesak falls on the first full moon of the fourth month. The Gregorian calendar fluctuates from year to year, although the date is normally in May.
The moon of the month of Vaisakh has special significance for Buddhists since it marks the day the Buddha was born when he reached enlightenment (nirvana), and when he attained parinirvana (nirvana after the death of the body) when he passed away. However, Buddhists regard every full moon as sacred.
Conclusion
There are many different cultures, traditions, and festivals in the Manaslu region. Over the years, the locals of the area have maintained their customs and cultural heritage. The regional festivals provide a window into the way of life in the area and are an essential component of the local culture. Visitors to the area can learn a lot about the history, customs, and religious beliefs of the area by exploring the cultural diversity of Manaslu.
